Seabourn Encore experience Balkan Jewels – Dubrovnik to Athens
Shirley Watson's journey.
After two nights/days exploring the wonders of Dubrovnik it was time to board the Seabourn Encore. The ship and crew are amazing, the luxury unsurpassed but I felt very at home and welcome immediately. The crew are attentive and friendly even remembering personal wine preferences in The Restaurant (main dining).
The veranda suite was beautiful – the veranda was a delight to have for relaxing with a quiet bubbles or for standing and taking in the sights of entering and departing a port if you weren’t on the pool deck at the sail away party. The walk-in wardrobe really brought home the travel for 7 days and unpack once advice that I have shared with so many clients. Bliss!
Kotor was like a dream and waking early to experience sailing into this gorgeous port was well worth it. The ship is so quiet – it was like sailing into a port in a dream state.
Gallipoli was beautiful – all be it explored during a thunderstorm. Nothing that taking shelter in a leather shop couldn’t cure!
Sarande Albania – somewhere really different to visit. A most unspoilt part of the Balkans. From the top of the hill/old castle you had magnificent views right across the town and to Corfu. We visited a local garden restaurant for a local lunch and dancing. Great fun.
We had a sea day – cruising the day away literally. Nothing to do except decide where you wanted to lounge; the pool, one of the many bars/restaurants, coffee cafe, shopping arcade, which treatment to have at the spa, do a bridge visit or a galley tour.
Zakinthos Greece. A quiet port, nice to wander around the streets. This was marine day – when the sea biscuit and banana boat were launched from the stern platform. Fun to watch.
Nafplion. The highlight for me port wise. Such a pretty town. The streets and building are so pretty and well, cute. Home of the Komboloi (worry) beads.
Athens – waking in Athens on day 7….no one wanted to disembark but off we got. Two days were had exploring the wonders of ancient Greece in melting heat finishing with a day at the beach.
My Seabourn Encore cruise was unforgettable. The itinerary well thought out and with different not so populated ports along with way. The ship herself – easy elegance and class. Nothing was too much trouble and there were so many experiences – the caviar and champagne in one’s suite is not to be missed. Onboard entertainment is, of course, top notch. The crew all joined us on the upper deck on our last night for group introductions and thankyous – very nice touch as there is no way you could thank everyone who had made this amazing experience special along the way individually.
I think I may be a cruise convert! Thankyou Seabourn.
Other recommendations:
Dubrovnik – the Taj Mahal – Bosnian Restaurant – fabulous food and wine match about 15 minutes from the old town. Doing an old town tour (I did one that was NOT Game of Thrones based) and walking the wall.
Athens – private sightseeing with HP Tours (Hellenic Private Tours). I had the most knowledgeable driver so no need for a guide. They cannot enter the sights with you, but Mike gave so much information it all made sense! He even managed almost a private changing of the guard’s ceremony at the Presidential Mansion.
Dining – Point – the roof top restaurant at the Herodion Hotel with the incredible Acropolis right there. Perfect for a delicious meal or drink watching the sunset. Humain by Jul’s. One of the finest meals I have EVER had served by the friendliest waiting staff. Remarkable!